Auburn cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett is one of the most productive defensive backs in the 2024 NFL Draft. Pritchett has proven production in the SEC and most recently displayed his abilities at this year's Senior Bowl.
Pritchett recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his takeaways from the Senior Bowl, his upcoming participation at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, playing man and zone coverage, and more.
JM: What do you think you proved to general managers and scouts while attending this year’s Senior Bowl?
Nehemiah Pritchett: I think I proved that I’m a versatile defender. I can play both inside and outside. I can play off-man and press-man coverage. I was able to display my full skill set in front of scouts in Mobile.
JM: You did that at a high level. You also measured in at 6 feet tall and 188 pounds. How do you use size and strength to your advantage on a play-by-play basis?
Nehemiah Pritchett: I came into college at 150-something pounds (laughs). I’ve worked to get my body in the best shape of my life right now. I’ve put on a lot of great weight over the years. I feel like 188 pounds is the weight I’ll be playing at the next level. I still feel explosive at 188. I’m still fast and twitchy at that number. It’s probably my favorite playing weight so far.
JM: That’s great to hear. You recorded 29 pass breakups at Auburn. The production speaks for itself in the SEC. What do you think it is about your skill set that led to that ball production?
Nehemiah Pritchett: We played a lot of press-man coverage at Auburn. That’s going to lead to you being tested in one-versus-one opportunities. I had chances to make plays on the ball. I’m combative at the catch point. The ball is coming your way. I had to get my hands on the ball. It put me in a pretty good spot.
JM: Because you're more experienced with press-man coverage, do you prefer to play in a man-heavy scheme at the next level?
Nehemiah Pritchett: Yeah, I’d probably say that. Being able to play man coverage, you wear that like a badge of honor. If you can play press-man coverage, you can play on any defense at the next level. It’s a plus in my book.
Pretty much every scout at the Senior Bowl came up to me and asked me about playing man coverage. There wasn’t a scout that asked if I could play zone coverage. All the scouts wanted to talk about was man coverage.
JM: It’s a man-coverage league. Do you see yourself playing inside or outside at the next level?
Nehemiah Pritchett: I’m not really sure. A couple of teams asked me about how I feel about playing the nickel. Other teams asked me about playing outside corner. I really don’t know. It’ll be up to the team that drafts me. I can play both positions.
JM: I believe you met with every team at the Senior Bowl. Did any of those team meetings particularly stand out? Did you feel some teams showed more interest in you than others?
Nehemiah Pritchett: I felt that way with the Jacksonville Jaguars. They definitely stood out to me. There were a few other teams, but it’s tough to remember since I pretty much met with every team. Jacksonville definitely stood out for sure.
JM: You received an invite to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Congratulations! What drills and events are you particularly looking forward to?
Nehemiah Pritchett: I’m looking forward to running the 40-yard dash. I think everybody probably looks forward to that one (laughs). I don’t want to jinx myself, but I feel pretty good about how I’ve been testing.
JM: You’re going to have a great week. I've appreciated your time today. What kind of person and player is a team getting when they draft Nehemiah Pritchett?
Nehemiah Pritchett: I feel like they’re getting a versatile cornerback that can play both inside and outside in any scheme. I can play the nickel if you need me to. I can definitely thrive as a press-man corner on an island.
I had three head coaches and four defensive coordinators at Auburn. I feel like I can come in, adapt, and play in any type of system. I’ve been exposed to pretty much every scheme. I have a high football IQ because I had to learn so many different playbooks, schemes, and terminologies.
I can match up with the best of the best from a speed perspective. I’m a lengthy corner that can play through the catch point. I think my skill set is going to translate in a big way.
